Russo-Ukraine War: Ukrainian officials said on Thursday that Russia has launched a wave of missile and self-detonating drone attacks on the country. Air raid sirens sounded across the country, but there were no immediate reports of injuries or being hit by missiles and drones.
Germany and the United States announced on Wednesday they would send advanced battle tanks to Ukraine, after an expert offered an “armoured punching force” to help Kyiv break the combat impasse as the Russian offensive nears. was entering its 12th month.
US announces sending M1 Abrams battle tank to Ukraine
Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday that his country would send 31 M1 Abrams battle tanks to Ukraine, reversing months of arguments that the tanks were too difficult for Ukrainian troops to operate and maintain.
The US decision came after Germany agreed to send 14 Leopard 2 A6 tanks from its stockpile. Germany had stated that the Leopard would not be sent until the US put its Abrams on the table, not wanting to incur Russia’s wrath without the US likewise having its own tanks.
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Altogether the European allies have agreed to send enough tanks to equip two Ukrainian tank battalions, or about 62 tanks in total, Biden said.
In announcing his decision to send the tanks, Biden said, “As spring approaches, the Ukrainian military is working to defend the territory it occupies and is preparing for additional counter-attacks.” “To liberate their land, they need to be able to counter Russia’s evolving strategy and tactics on the battlefield in the very near term.”